Do you want to do something different this summer? What about a road trip instead of taking a flight to your holiday destination? Consider taking a weekend off this summer preferably between March and June and enjoy mesmerising Shimla. It is the ideal holiday spot to cool off and relax, especially if you live in and around Delhi.
Shimla is a very popular hill station known worldwide for its tourist attractions and scenic valleys. The mountains and hills are perfect for romantic getaways. Shimla presents the ideal climatic conditions to get a pleasurable break from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Best Time To Visit
The summer season is the best time to visit Shimla and get some fresh mountain air to rejuvenate the mind and body. It is also a busy time in hills as it is the beginning of the tourist season since the weather is pleasant and perfect for outdoor activities. The temperature varies between 15°C and 30°C offering an ideal summer joint. Those who love adventure sports, this is the perfect time to try paragliding, trekking, camping and rafting.
Places To Eat
Delhi to Shimla Highway has amazing dhabas along the way. The north Indian cuisines served are truly mouthwatering and sumptuous. There are several Café Coffee Days, McDonald’s, and Pizza Huts along the route that offer fast food alternatives to local delicacies. However, try the local cuisines at the dhaba and eateries as these are a treat for the long journey ahead of you.
All of these dhabas are clean and have an affordable menu. Some of the popular haunts are:
Puran Singh ka Dhaba in Ambala
It is one of the oldest dhabas on this route and is owned by a refugee who moved to India after the partition and since then has been serving people the best Keema Kaleji, Chicken Masala, Mutton Masala and Home-made Mango Pickle.
Sethi Dhaba in Zirakpur
It serves authentic Punjabi cuisine. Their Paneer paranthas, Gobi Paranthas and Lacchha Paranthas are famous with Makkhan (which is locally made butter called desi ghee). Along with wholesome paranthas they serve a pitcher of Lassi or Butter Milk.
Pal Dhaba in Chandigarh
It is located in Sector 28 which is a short detour from the highway. They are known for their Butter Chicken, Paneer Butter Masala, Sarson ka saag and Dal Fry or better known as tadka. All these are typical Punjabi homemade dishes served piping hot. Their prices are affordable, and the restaurant is clean.
Route
You have the option of taking 3 different routes from Delhi to Shimla. Each route has scenic views and excellent places to visit along the way.
Route 1 – Ambala Route:
Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat – Karnal – Ambala – Pinjore – Kasauli – Shimla
It is an 8 hour journey and is approximately 486 kilometres. It is possibly the shortest route to Shimla. The highway corridor is rife with activity and there are multiple locations that you can choose as a pit stop to enjoy the cool breeze and sights. The journey takes you on NH44 to NH152 and then NH5. Stick to using GPS so that you reach within the estimated time.
Route 2 – Yamunanagar Route:
Delhi – Sonipat – Panipat – Karnal – Yamunanagar – Solan – Chail – Shimla
It takes roughly 11 hours and 24 minutes, and the distance is approximately 452 kilometres to drive to reach Shimla via this route. It is the most thrilling roads for nature lovers and wildlife connoisseurs. It takes you through highways NH44 and NH5. Enthusiasts can visit two wildlife sanctuaries en route.
Route 3 – Dehradun Route:
Delhi – Ghaziabad – Modinagar – Meerut – Muzzafarnagar – Dehradun – Kolar – Barog – Shimla
This route is a roughly 12-hour journey, and is 482 kilometres in distance. The trip is longer than the other options outlined. However, it takes you through mountains and hilly winding roads and exciting places to explore en route. This route will take you through NH344 and NH 7.
What To Eat And Stopovers
There are tons of places to eat at along the Delhi - Shimla Highway. The food scene is – exciting. As you drive along, you can visit sanctuaries, temples and a number of places that are interesting as well as fun.
Tehal Singh Dhaba in Chandigarh
It is a famous dhaba for lunch pit stops. The owner used to be a hawker serving fish and kebab chops and graduated to a dhaba owner in due course of time. While the restaurant still serves fish and kebab chops, the must have at this eatery are Haryali Kebab, Kadhai Paneer, Tangri Kebab and Kalmi Kebab.
Modern Dhaba in Dharmpur
They serve a traditional Indian Breakfast here. For those who like to eat a wholesome meal in the morning, try the tandoori paranthas, stuffed kulchas, and their thalis.
Giani da Dhaba in Dharampur
It is one the oldest dhabas on the Shimla-Kalka Highway, known best for its mouthwatering paranthas and non-vegetarian delicacies. They also serve special paranthas called the mirchi parantha that is stuffed with green chillies.
Haveli Multi Cuisine Restaurant in Karnal on GT Road
This multi-cuisine joint is a favourite for families that serves delectable Punjabi cuisine like Chhole Bhature, Pav Bhaji, Dal Makhani, and Shahi Paneer. Try these authentically cooked dishes that will immediately transport you to one to the Pinds or villages in Punjab.
Reaching There And Places To Visit
There are 3 routes that can take you Shimla. The highways from Delhi to Shimla are vivid with undulating landscape with plenty of opportunities to explore around.
The first route is via NH44 and NH5. This route is via Ambala which has the Army Cantt as well, and it is a gorgeous drive to mountains.
Popular pit stops and places to explore on Route 1 are:
Purana Killa
It is located in Panipat. It is a historical monument and a mosque that is known to people across the globe. It houses a Library and a Park. So, it is a great place to soak in Indian history and relax in the park.
Karnal Lake
It is located after crossing the city of Karnal. Have a quick stopover to enjoy the peaceful lake and its surrounding area.
Sheikh Chilli Tomb
It is a beautiful mausoleum of a renowned Sufi Saint in Kurukshetra which falls en route to Shimla.
Sukhna Lake in Chandigarh
It is a popular tourist spot. Travellers come here to enjoy the serenity and peaceful setting of the lake.
Jay Mahal in Pinjore
This is one the most popular stopovers on this route which is also known locally as the Rajwadi Gardens. It is one of the most beautiful Mahals en route with manicured lawns and magnificent gardens and ornate fountains. The hum of flowing water is relaxing to tourists who visit the Mahal.
Monkey Point Hanuman Temple
It is a holy place and an exciting spot to capture the beautiful views of Kasauli, which is a few kilometres away from Shimla.
Popular places on Route 2 are:
Chail Sanctuary
Chail is a few kilometres away from Shimla, and it is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts where one can spot the Himalayan black bears, Golden eagles, European red deer, leopards and rich diversity of wildlife species.
Kalesar National Park
This national park is located near Yamunanagar, and it is a dense forest which is ideal for treks and wildlife photography. The national park is nestled within these dense forests and offers jungle safaris. It is worth the visit as it is teeming with wildlife such as the beautiful leopards, sambar, python, deer, majestic king cobra and a variety of birds.
Route 3 is the longest and the most exciting one which takes you through winding mountainous and hilly roads
Tibetan Buddhist Temple
This is one of the most soulful monasteries- that one must visit in Dehradun for its beautiful ambience.
Robber’s Cave
It is located in Guchupani in Dehradun, and it is one of the highly recommended attractions for adventurous cave river walks to enjoy the serenity of the place.
Forest Research Institute
It is on the Chakrata Road in Dehradun. The place is one which must be on your bucket list. Visit it for its museums, the parks and the era of colonial architecture.
Sahastradhara
It is a natural spring which is a sulphur pond and houses a quaint temple. It is quite attractive and unique.
Tiger Falls
It is a hidden gem in hills of Chakrata. These waterfalls are delightful and gorgeous.